Meghan Markle is gearing up for her first visit back to Britain in four years this summer, but there’s a catch—security arrangements for her and Prince Harry need to be sorted out first.
The Duchess of Sussex, now 44, is anticipated to accompany her husband during an Invictus Games event in Birmingham this July, with ongoing deliberations concerning whether they will receive taxpayer-funded protection while they are in the UK.
This trip holds particular significance for Harry, who has been vocal about his security situation and is awaiting the outcome of a review regarding his protection measures.
His push for armed police security during visits to Britain has been a topic of contention.
Sources indicate that Meghan is aiming to participate in a one-year countdown event for the Invictus Games on July 10, leading up to the 2027 Games scheduled to take place in Birmingham.
This initiative, started by Harry himself, seeks to support wounded and recovering service members and veterans.
Meghan has a history of joining Harry at similar countdown events in other countries such as Canada and Germany.
Reports suggest she is eager to take part in the UK celebration, contingent on resolving any safety concerns.
If her plans come to fruition, it will mark Meghan’s first return to Britain since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.
Although formal plans for the Birmingham countdown event have not yet been released, it is widely expected that the Sussexes will be present.
Recently, Harry shared insights about the impact of the Invictus Games with a well-known US magazine, emphasizing its significance in changing lives.
The couple has consistently engaged with this cause, highlighting their commitment to supporting veterans.
A source disclosed to The Sun, “Security will be the pivotal factor in determining this visit.”
Currently, Harry’s security is under review by Ravec, a committee featuring experts from various sectors, including the royal family, police, and government.
Harry, 41, has expressed concerns over his family’s safety without proper security measures at play.
Reports indicate that plans for Meghan’s visit to the Midlands are taking shape, but all hinges on the outcome of the security review, with a decision anticipated later this month.
It’s still uncertain if their children, Archie, aged six, and Lilibet, aged four, will join them.
The kids last visited the UK during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, where Meghan faced mixed reactions upon her arrival.
The Invictus Games Foundation is busy organizing promotional events in Birmingham this summer, with invitations already sent out to participating nations.
Meghan has been a familiar face at these events and has previously traveled alongside Harry to promote the Games, bringing attention to the athletes and their journeys.
Earlier this year, she was in Vancouver and Whistler, meeting competitors as they prepared for the Games.
Meghan also participated in the countdown event in Düsseldorf in September 2022, just days before the Queen’s passing, reflecting on the challenges of being away from her children during her commitments.
Meanwhile, there are whispers about Harry’s hopes for his father, King Charles, to inaugurate the Birmingham Invictus Games in July 2027.
However, official invitations are still awaiting distribution.
After stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California, Harry lost his automatic entitlement to armed police protection.
He faced a setback last May when his High Court challenge to regain this entitlement was rejected, labeling the decision as an “establishment stitch-up.”
Recent sources suggest that the government might be leaning towards granting Harry armed protection based on the coming review, bringing some hope to the couple who are navigating these complex discussions.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes has been approached for further comment on the matter.
